News

Fairer parking tickets planned

TRAFFIC wardens are to be renamed “civil enforcement officers” under a government shake- up intended to restore motorists’ confidence by introducing a fairer and more consistent system of parking regulations.

Ministers want wardens to use greater discretion in handing out tickets for minor infringements while cracking down on those who persistently flout the law. The proposals, seen by The Sunday Times, are likely to go out to consultation within the next six weeks. Plans being considered include:

Variable fines so that drivers who overstay on a parking meter by a few minutes will be charged less than those who commit more serious offences such as parking on double yellow lines or disabled bays. A new maximum fine of £120 is being considered in London, according to reports.

An extension of the period of grace before a vehicle is clamped from 15 minutes to an hour.